What is included in Cascade Alpine Guides programs?
Professional guiding and instruction
All meals while on the mountain
Expedition tents
Stoves, fuel, and cooking equipment
Group climbing gear
What is NOT
included in Cascade Alpine Guides programs?
Airfare
Transportation to and from the trailhead
Hotel accommodations
Restaurant meals and beverages
Guide gratuities
Personal gear & equipment
* Changes may me made at any time. See Cascade Alpine Guides Policies and procedures for details.
How soon do our courses/trips
fill up?
Although it is uncertain, there is no way to tell. Some, such as our Rainier
Summit Climbs, tend to fill up 9 months or more in advance. To help you secure
a spot on the course of your choice we recommend you contact us and fill out an
application as soon as possible. Many people will indicate multiple date
possibilities in order to ensure enrollment.
How should I sign up or apply
for a trip or course?
You may download your application, found either in our catalogs, or available directly from the internet at http://www.cascadealpineguides.com.
Once completed, you can mail or fax to:
Cascade Alpine Guides
Fax (425) 836-2793
What is required as a reservation deposit?
This varies from trip to trip but is generally 50% of the full amount.
When is the remaining balance
due?
This varies from trip to trip but is generally 60 from the departure date of
your trip
What should I do if I need to
cancel a trip or course?
At Cascade Alpine Guides we know that sometimes changes are
required. if you decide to cancel your trip, Cascade
Alpine Guides must be notified in writing. Your adventure will be cancelled
from the date we receive your written notice. You will be assessed a
cancellation fee according to the following schedule:
More than 60 days from trip departure - $100 fee
59 to 30 days from trip departure - 50% of deposit
Less than 29 days from trip departure - 100% of trip cost
* There are special policies for certain trips. See Cascade Alpine Guides
Policies & Procedures specific to your trip for more information.
What do I do if I need to
change the dates of my trip?
All change of date requests must be received in writing along with a newly
completed application. There will be a fee of $100 for all date changes. Any
date change can be extremely difficult and is subject to all additional
incurred expenses as assessed by Cascade Alpine Guides. All Changes are for
credit only (no refunds) and valid for 12 months from written change
notification.
* There are special policies for certain trips. See Cascade Alpine Guides
Policies & Procedures specific to your trip for more information.
What happens in the even
Cascade Alpine Guides cancels a trip?
In the rare case that Cascade Alpine Guides has to cancel a trip due to
insufficient registration or other reasons beyond our control, you will receive
a full refund.
Why does Cascade Alpine Guides
recommend Trip Insurance?
We highly recommend trip cancellation and travel insurance. This comprehensive
travel insurance provides coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, and
travel delays, loss of baggage and travel documents, baggage delays, medical
expenses and emergency assistance. We suggest Travel Guard International
(1-877-248-8992) or http://www.travelguard.com
for more information. There is a wide choice of companies to choose from and we
encourage you to do some individual research regarding which policy is right
for you.
WHEN SHOULD I PLAN TO LEAVE AND RETURN HOME?
When should I plan on arriving at the destination?
Since most of our adventures begin in the wee early hours of the morning we
recommend you arrive in Seattle at least 1 day prior to you departure. Because
of the unpredictability of alpine mountaineering we also recommend you plan on
staying in
Is it possible to come in earlier or stay later
than the trip?
Absolutely not a problem! We are happy to help you enjoy your stay in the
What lodging while in town?
There are a number of great locations to stay, depending on preferences and
your budget. Please call our office for the latest information as well as any
group rates we are currently aware of.
How do I get to where I need to be
for my trip?
You should fly into
Is it possible to find out who will be my
instructor or guide?
Yes, absolutely! All of our guides are highly skilled professionals who have
been selected based on their technical proficiency, proven safety records,
careful judgment, patience, teaching styles, and great personalities. At a
minimum, all of our guides and instructors have been Wilderness First Responder
certified and are proficient in technical rescue and evacuation skills. Some Cascade
Alpine Guides staff have educational backgrounds that can
enhance your learning experience.
How should I consider tipping my instructor or
guide?
The amount of the gratuity depends solely on your level of outstanding satisfaction
and length of the course or climb. Generally, a minimum of $10-15/day for the
lead guide and $5-10/day for the assistant are considered standard. Cascade
Alpine Guides leaves this entirely up to you! If you had an EXCEPTIONAL time
its likely that at least one of your guides had a hand in that.
What is expected for me to bring on my trip?
A complete clothing, gear & equipment list will be sent to you upon
registration. Each list comes with a complete description of each item. Please
call us if you have questions or need help locating any of the items on the
list. For your safety and comfort, it is extremely important that you adhere
strictly to the equipment list.
How do I know if I have the right clothing and
equipment?
Well before you depart on your adventure, we will give you a call to discuss
the particulars of your course or climb. At this time you can review the
equipment you have selected and get our input. Selecting the right gear can be
a quite a challenge and we are happy to help so give us a call if you have
further questions.
Does
Cascade Alpine Guides rent clothing, gear and equipment I may need?
Yes, we can help you with double plastic mountaineering boots, crampons, ice
axes, harnesses, helmets, and trekking poles as well as many other items.
Quantities are limited. Please contact our office for more information.
How much weight will I be carrying in my pack?
On each of our trips you will be required to carry a portion of the group gear
and food, in addition to your gear. Please consider this when deciding what you
will bring. A good rule of thumb is to try to keep your pack weight below 40
pounds and be sure to leave extra space to pack the group gear and food.
Can I leave extra clothing and personal items
with you while Im on your trip?
Yes, most of the time. There will usually be the option of storing extra gear
and clothing at your hotel. There may be a small charge incurred, but typically
it is minimal. You will also be able to leave a small amount in our vehicle at
the trailhead. We ask that you keep this to a medium sized duffle.
What can be expected in the way of meals
provided by Cascade Alpine Guides?
Our guides and instructors pride themselves in amazing mountain food
preparation.
Our years of mountain travel have benefited us with well-tested and nutritious
meal plans. Meals generally consist of pastas, rice, soups, and fresh
ingredients when possible. Be sure to bring along your favorite munchies,
energy food, and after dinner treats. If you have specific
allergies/preferences, please note that on your application and your guide or
instructor will be happy to accommodate you. Trip members are not expected to
help with meal preparation and clean-up but are encouraged to do so in order to
become more familiar with expedition cooking techniques.
What is the weather like in the
The
Are trips rated as to difficulty level?
Yes. The following indicates how we rate our trips and what the recommendations
are for participation on such a climb or course.
Cascade Alpine Guides Adventure Ratings
Mountaineering:
Beginner - no previous mountaineering skills required.
Advanced Beginner - basic mountaineering skills
recommended including self-arrest, cramponing, ice axe use, rope and glacier
travel experience.
Intermediate - basic mountaineering skills
recommended in addition to experience on technical terrain consisting of 40-50
degree snow/ice slopes.
Advanced Intermediate- intermediate
mountaineering skills recommended and proven experience on technical terrain
and high altitudes to 20,000 feet.
Advanced - intermediate/advanced mountaineering skills recommended in addition to experience on technical terrain, including rock and ice climbing and ascents over 20,000 feet.
Hiking & Backpacking:
Easy - 1-2 hours of daily activity. No previous backpacking skills required.
• Easy - Moderate - 1-2 hours of daily activity. No previous backpacking skills required.
• Moderate - 4-5 hours of daily activity over varity of terrain. Hiking 4-10 miles. Active novices are welcome
Moderate-Plus+ - 5+ hours of daily activity on steep terrain. Hiking up to 12 miles. Familiarity with basic skills is recomended.
Strenuous - 7-8 hours of daily activity over hilly - steep terrain with heavy loads. Hiking up to 14 miles. Prior experience and a physician's release required.
Rock Climbing:
Beginner - no previous rock climbing skills required.
Advanced Beginner - basic rock skills recommended including tying in and belay experience.
Intermediate - basic rock skills recommended in addition to experience with anchors and setting top rope systems.
Advanced Intermediate- intermediate rock skills recommended and proven experience on anchor placement as well as multipitch routes.
Advanced - intermediate/advanced rock skills required in addition to experience on technical terrain, including rock leading and protection placement. Clean aid techniques also required.
Can I be in too good of shape?
No! Most, if not all of our adventures require some level of exceptional
physical conditioning. Your ability to enjoy your adventure and the spectacular
surroundings are greatly increased the better condition you are in. We
recommend that you simulate the activity you are training for and increasing
the level of exertion as the routine becomes easier. We suggest that you use
containers of water for uphill hikes and empty the contents for the descent to
reduce knee strain. In order for you to adequately prepare for you adventure we
recommend you begin your training regiment at least 6-9 months prior to your adventure.
We offer many different options to help ensure you arrive in good physical
condition. Call our office for more details.
How does Cascade Alpine Guides
handle summit ascents when a team member is unable to continue?
Safety is our HIGHEST consideration and is of primary concern on all our offerings.
Participants should remember that they are part of a team and that the safety
and security of the entire team member is the highest priority. In the unlikely
event that the entire group is required to get a team member down, they will be
called upon to assist the guides and instructors. If an individual trip member
can be escorted safely by another qualified individual, we will make every
attempt to complete our climb.
Will Cascade Alpine Guides customize
a trip specific to my needs?
Cascade Alpine Guides welcomes the opportunity to customize a trip for you,
your friends, or organization. Our published land costs are typically based on
8 - 10 individuals and therefore the number in your party may affect your land
costs. We can arrange custom trips for as few as one individual as well as a
large group. A $200 non-refundable deposit for custom trip planning which will
be applied towards your trip cost at the time of your reservation.
Will Cascade Alpine Guides
offer trips for my Family?
Yes, we currently do offer trips that are specifically designed for families.
Please call our office for details 1-800-981-0381
Does Cascade Alpine Guides have
a minimum age requirement?
We will gladly accept participants 16 years or older on our
regularly scheduled trips, if they are accompanied by a parent or legal
guardian. You must be 18 years or older to participate in a Cascade Alpine
Guides trip on your own. We will be happy to accommodate people under the age
of 16 on custom trips only.